20th September 2018 |
Reports
John Halligan TD, Minister of State for Training, Skills, Innovation, Research and Development launched the final report of the Hospitality Skills Oversight Group (HSOG) on 19 September 2018.
The HSOG was originally set up in 2016 for a two-year term arising from a recommendation of a 2015 Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) report.
The EGFSN report assessed the skills demand needs arising within the Hospitality sector in Ireland – hotels, restaurants, bars, canteens and catering – over the period to 2020. The aim was to ensure that there would be enough skilled personnel to help drive domestic hospitality sector business and employment growth. The Report also highlighted that the challenge for industry was to provide appropriate training and upskilling to staff and to provide clear progression pathways for those who wish to make hospitality their career.
The hospitality sector is one of the largest employers in the Irish economy, employing over 177,000 people in over 18,000 businesses in 2018. In terms of overall economic activity, the Accommodation and Food Services sector accounts for around €5 billion of total gross value added in the Irish economy.
Minister Halligan welcomed the report commenting “The Oversight Group has demonstrated that success can be achieved in addressing skills requirements when industry, education/training and other stakeholders work together on a collaborative basis. While all the solutions have not yet been arrived at by any means, this coordinated approach is working and I welcome the news that a new Group is being established to continue the work. As the report highlights, addressing the current skills shortfalls along with professionalising the sector is vital for economic growth. The hospitality sector makes a vital contribution to regional and local economies. It also provides employment opportunities that can facilitate greater labour market participation.”
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Skills for Enterprise